Air Force Museum honors Charles Taylor with bronze bust

RIVERSIDE, Ohio (WDTN) – The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force honored the aviation industry’s first mechanic, Charles E. Taylor, earlier today.

The Air Force Museum unveiled a bronze bust which will be displayed in the museum’s “Early Years Gallery”.

Taylor is credited with designing the engine that would power the Wright brothers first flights.

According to Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Assocation (AMTA) Director Ken MacTiernan, having a bust of Taylor on display at the Air Force Museum will ensure that his contributions to aviation history are well remembered.

“Having the museum as a place that Taylor can call ‘home’ just seems highly appropriate,” MacTiernan said.

Virginia Krause Hess, the sculptor of the Taylor bust, says this piece was the most memorable one she’s done.

“My resume spans 11 years, this is certainly one that I will remember,” she said.

Krause says the sculpture took 6 weeks to create.

“I wanted to show concern and passion on his face,” she added, “I think he shows a little consternation here, maye a little doubt.”

Taylor was a self-taught man, and was described as being brilliant for his time.

“Whatever he attempted, I think he put his pride and passion into his work,” Krause said.